School of Education at IU East sponsors Professional Clothing for Success Store
American culture has become increasingly casual since the 1960's and this shift is reflected in our clothes. While great strides have been made in regards to women and civil rights -- providing a greater freedom of expression -- somewhere in the mix, younger generations started losing grip on the importance of dressing professionally.
Nancy Whitted, an elementary education major at IU East, looks at clothes in a store created to help IU students acquire professional attire.
"We now live in a time where flip flops are the new norm," says Patty Crawford, internship coordiator at Indiana University East. "While I do enjoy a great summer flip flop, they really do have their place -- the pool and around the house -- but not in a professional or educational setting."
She said professional attire alone does not make one successful, but acting professionally and dressing professionally come hand-in-hand. It is statistically proven, she said, that women in the workplace are taken more seriously when wearing pants and a nice jacket rather than a dress or skirt. This mostly is because pants are functional, command respect and relay the image: "I am a responsible and dependable employee." Men, she said, are turning to suits more often in the workplace, too.
To help students at IU East negotiate the fasion world of professional attire -- and to afford it -- the IU East School of Education and the Student Education Association sponsored a Professional Clothing for Success Store (PCS) for all IU East students.
The PCS store provides an opportunity for students to attain quality professional clothing at no charge. On one day last month, students were able to select from "gently used" professional attire and accessories donated by community members. Organizers plan to do this again in the future. Marilyn Watkins, dean of the School of Education, expects students to use the business attire for job interviews, field and clinical experiences and internships.
SEA Faculty Sponsor Brenda Buckner described it as a "great opportunity" to provide students with the needed professional clothing during their college years to help them begin their careers.
"This is a new adventure our student association has organized, and it will be a rewarding experience for those involved," she said. "By being prepared with the right outfit, and taking the worry away of purchasing these clothes, the students will be well-suited to join the workforce."
Crawford couldn't agree more. She refers to the old adage "don't dress for the job you have, but for the job you want." She said it also is increasingly important to dress as an individual while still erring on the side of conservatism.
"In the end, you should shine from the inside out," she says. "Don't let a poorly planned outfit turn potential employers away. Instead, let your clothes reflect your outstanding education and professional potential."
